I was just reading an excerpt of a book by Tammy Bruce in which she was talking about the ALCU and their selective defense of people whose “free speech” had been impinged. It fired me up and I feel the need to remind people about their right to “free speech” under the U.S. Constitution. I’m no lawyer but:

If Time-Warner refuses to release your record; your “free speech” has NOT been violated.

If a radio station refuses to play your record, or carry your talk show; your “free speech” has NOT been violated.

If a newspaper doesn’t publish your letter to the editor; your “free speech” has NOT been violated.

If you say something, and someone calls you a name because of it; your “free speech” has NOT been violated.

If someone tells you to “shut up”; your “free speech” has NOT been violated.

Some people seem to believe that if I don’t fund, listen to, and agree with everything that they say (and they’ll say everything that crosses their mind), that I’m violating their free speech.

So here it is: Your right to “free speech” keeps the government from silencing opposing political expression. It does not guarantee you an audience. It does not protect you from criticism or opposition. It doesn’t stop others from saying things in response to you, nor does it guarantee that those responses be intelligent or binding. If somebody tells you to “Shut up, traitor,” that doesn’t mean that you ARE a traitor and you don’t have to shut up.

If, however, you are afraid of the consequences of your unpopular views to your career and you don’t have the conviction to stand by what you say… “Shut up” may just be good advice.